Alavés vs Rayo Vallecano: Randy Nteka’s 90th-minute winner completes dramatic 2-1 comeback at Mendizorroza
Alavés vs Rayo Vallecano saw Rayo clinch a 2-1 victory at Mendizorroza as Randy Nteka’s 90th-minute strike completed a late turnaround; Alavés had opened the scoring through Toni Martínez.
Alavés honour 2001 European finalists before kick-off
Mendizorroza staged a pre-match tribute to the Deportivo Alavés side that reached the UEFA Cup final 25 years ago against Liverpool, with applause from the stands and former players in attendance.
The ceremony set a celebratory tone for the home side, who were assured of their top-flight survival and looked to give the fans a fitting afternoon despite the remaining fixtures.
Alavés start strongly and Toni Martínez breaks the deadlock
The match began at a measured pace but Alavés took control through sustained possession and forward intent in the first half.
A precise through ball from Pablo Ibáñez found Hidalgo on the flank, whose low cross was converted by Toni Martínez to make it 1-0 and register his 14th goal of the season.
That opener rewarded Alavés’ early dominance and forced Rayo to recalibrate after a lineup rotated heavily by Iñigo Pérez failed to click initially.
Rayo’s rotation limits early cohesion
Rayo Vallecano’s decision to make wholesale changes to their starting XI left the visitors without their usual rhythm in the opening period.
The newcomers gradually settled but were unable to carve out clear-cut chances before the break, while Alavés pressed to add to their lead.
Substitutions and tactical tweaks from both benches suggested the second half would be decisive for teams with differing objectives.
Second-half intensity shifts momentum
Rayo returned from the interval with increased tempo and aggression, forcing Alavés to defend deeper as the hosts aimed to protect their lead.
Iñigo Pérez introduced regular starters — including Pathé Ciss, Jorge De Frutos, and Sergio Camello — to inject experience and sharpen the attacking transitions.
Alavés fashioned a pair of opportunities that would have sealed the match, only for Dani Cárdenas to produce important saves that kept Rayo in contention.
Camello levels with a swift counter and precise finish
As the game opened into a pattern of end-to-end action, Pathé Ciss produced a crucial pass from deep that released Sergio Camello into space.
Camello’s controlled touch and composed finish beat Antonio Sivera to restore parity and change the complexion of the contest at 1-1.
The equaliser energized Rayo and crowded the final phase of the match with frantic chances from both sides as they chased a decisive goal.
Late drama: Nteka seals comeback in stoppage time
The game remained finely balanced until the dying moments when a swift Rayo move saw Camello set up Randy Nteka for a decisive intervention inside the box.
Nteka’s 90th-minute finish found the net and completed a dramatic comeback that left Mendizorroza stunned and Rayo’s travelling supporters jubilant.
The winner ensured Rayo took all three points, while Alavés — despite the late loss — were able to celebrate having secured their place in LaLiga for next season.
Injuries, discipline and match control
The match contained its share of setbacks, most notably the distressing injury to Carlos Martín, who left the field in tears and was replaced by Sergio Camello.
Yellow cards accumulated on both sides as the intensity rose, with cautions to Camello, Pathé Ciss, Álex Pérez, Abde Rebbach, Nicolás Tenaglia and Pacha Espino marking a combative encounter.
Referee Jesús Gil Manzano managed a fixture that featured open transitions and high stakes, with 17,276 spectators witnessing the late twist in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Tactical snapshots and individual impacts
Quique Sánchez Flores’ Alavés displayed balance in the first half with full-backs advancing and midfield runners supporting Toni Martínez’s movement.
For Rayo, Iñigo Pérez’s substitutions reshaped the team’s dynamic: Pathé Ciss offered progression from deep, De Frutos and Camello provided direct attacking impetus, and Nteka supplied the late finishing touch.
Goalkeeper interventions from Cárdenas were pivotal in keeping Rayo in the hunt before the comeback, while Sivera’s earlier work had been tested and ultimately undone by the late winner.
Implications for both clubs after the final whistle
The result leaves Rayo with renewed hope of securing European football next season, though final qualification will depend on other results across the closing rounds.
Alavés exit the match having sealed survival, enabling the club and supporters to reflect with relief on a campaign that reached its goal despite the home defeat.
Both teams can draw positives: Alavés for their resilience in achieving safety and Rayo for the character shown to overturn a deficit away from home.
Alavés will return to training with an eye on building momentum and integrating younger options that featured in Mendizorroza, while Rayo prepare for a crucial run-in as they chase continental qualification.
